When certain players roll in to town, the world takes notice, and Ronaldinho is one such player. The legend attended his former stomping ground, Parc des Princes, for the Champions League group stage game between PSG and Leipzig.
Ronaldinho inspired a generation like few have done before and will likely ever do again; his style of play was so unique and captivating that it was impossible not to be entertained when watching him. Such was his impact during his playing career – always with a smile on his face and those samba beats playing out through his magic feet – that he is now hailed wherever he rocks up, and this week it just so happened to be at the Parc des Princes for former team PSG’s 3-2 win over RB Leipzig.
Ronaldinho played 77 official matches for PSG between 2001 and 2003, scoring 25 goals and entertaining millions on the way. So it was with open arms that the former Brazilian international was welcomed back to take part in the pre-match live broadcast and to receive a souvenir trophy of his time in the Rouge et Bleu from the President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, along with a fitting ovation from the Parisian supporters.
"I am very happy to be here,” Ronaldinho told PSG TV. “I had a great time at the Parc des Princes. It’s impossible to come back here without wanting to play! Time passes, but the memories of the moments spent here will remain in my heart forever. Thank you to all the fans, thank you for receiving me and giving me so much affection!”
Of course, there’s now a couple of half decent players that have followed in R10’s footsteps, making the trip between Paris and Barcelona, although in the reverse order to the great man. Two of the thousands of players that Ronaldinho undoubtedly inspired. Always nice to catch up, with plenty of respect and admiration on display between the icons.
Gotta love Ronaldinho...
Select photography by Colin Duranton for SoccerBible.
